In November last year, BNP had submitted 62 proposals to the Constitutional Reform Commission. Important among these recommendations are inclusion of provision for caretaker government system at the time of elections in the Constitution, provision of balance of powers between the Prime Minister and the President, creation of posts for the Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, creation of an Upper House in the Parliament. , placing the lower courts under the control of the Supreme Court, bringing back the provision of referendum, forming a republic, the executive, the judiciary, the legislature, an independent anti-corruption commission and the Election Commission.
Earlier in July 2023, the BNP had come up with a 31-point reform proposal to reform the constitution and state system as well as economic liberation. Citing the party’s commitment to the 31-point framework, the BNP said in a press briefing that if elected they would form a national government and implement reform proposals. Of the 31 points for state reforms, eight are recommendations related to constitutional reforms.
Along with BNP, Jamaat had come up with a 10-point reform proposal on October 8 last year. Jamaat’s emir Shafiqur Rehman said at the time, their reform proposal was detailed and included 41 points. At present, he had put forward priority recommendations for the convenience of the interim government. Later the Jamaat submitted a written proposal to the Constitution Reform Commission. Meanwhile, Charmonai Peer’s party, the Islamic Movement, did not bring any issue for constitutional reform. He simply detailed the requirements for an ideal state.
Nagorik Andolan president Mahmudur Rahman Manna believes that, “One of the key recommendations given by the commission is the proposal for a bicameral parliament. Does the interim government have the time required to implement it? BNP wants elections in July- August. The government says it will hold elections with proportional representation for 100 upper house seats.